The Repurposing Life

Benzoin Health and Beauty Benefits

Benzoin resin comes from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. The tree resin of benzoin has many health and beauty benefits. It can be used in solid (chunks) form, in essential oil form or in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. The resin can be harvested when the trees are seven years of age or older. The resin is harvested as a gum from the tree by making a small cut to the bark. The trunk “bleeds” a balsamic sap (gum resin). This resin hardens upon being exposed to light and air, and is then collected. The taste of the resin, is very bitter. Still, it is often used as a flavoring in some food products.

The benzoin tree is a deciduous shrub–like tropical tree that is native to Asia and can grow up to 28 feet (nine meters) in height. It has pale green, ovate and pointed leaves that are almost white underneath. It produces white clusters of silky, bell–shaped flowers during the spring, as well as fruit which is hard–shelled, flat in shape, and about the size of a nutmeg.

Two Different Benzoins

While mostly native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority in eastern and southeastern Asia, it has also spread across the equator into South America. Styrax tonkinensis, also called benzoin Siam, comes from trees found natively growing in places such as Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Benzoin Siam (S. tonkinensis) is not used medicinally but is more customarily used in manufacturing in the flavor and fragrance industries and can be found in commercially available products.

Styrax benzoin grows in the Sumatra and Malaysian regions; hence, it’s called Sumatra benzoin. Sumatran benzoin contains cinnamic acid in addition to benzoic acid. In the U.S., Sumatra benzoin (Styrax benzoin and Styrax paralleoneurus) is more customarily used in traditional medicine, for incense and perfumes, and for pharmaceutical preparations. Benzoin is available to buy as chunks of resin, as an oil, or in preparations such as skin–soothing creams. You might find the oil listed as “onycha” essential oil.

You may hear it called Baume benjoin, Benjamin tree, benjoin de Sumatra, benjoin, benjuí, benzoe, Benzoin tree, benzoïne, gum Benjamin, barley gum, gum Benzoin, Haminjon toba, loban, lohban, Palembang benzoin, Siam benzoin, Styrax benzoin, Styrax paralleloneurum, Styrax tonkinensis, Sumatra benzoin. In India it is called Sambrani or loban, though loban is, via Arabic lubān, a generic term for frankincense–type incense, e.g., fragrant tree resin. 

Benzoin is also called storax, not to be confused with storax balsam, which is obtained from the Hamamelidaceae family. Hamamelidaceae, commonly referred to as the witch–hazel family, is a family of flowering plants in the order Saxifragales.

Tincture of benzoin (Friar’s Balsam) is used in medicine. It is distinct from the chemical compound benzoin, which is ultimately derived chemically from benzoin resin; the resin, however, does not contain this compound. Tincture of benzoin is a pungent solution of benzoin resin in ethanol, a preparation that additionally contains Cape aloes or Barbados aloes and storax resin, it was originally invented by Joshua Ward around 1760.

The chemical compound benzoin is used in organic syntheses. It appears as off–white crystals, with an odor of camphor and a slightly acrid taste. When broken the fresh surfaces have a milky–white color. Chemical compound benzoin is an FDA–approved color additive used for marking fruits and vegetables.

The History of Benzoin Resin

Benzoin is a common ingredient in incense–making and perfumery because of its sweet vanilla–like aroma. In perfumery, benzoin is used as a fixative, slowing the dispersion of essential oils and other fragrance materials into the air, and to extend their shelf life. Benzoin resin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies, as well as Western Catholic Churches. Most benzoin is used in Arabian and Hindu temples of India, where it is burned on charcoal as an incense. It is also used in the production of Bakhoor (Arabic بخور, scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and the Horn of Africa (HoA).

The Horn of Africa is also known as the Somali Peninsula, a large peninsula in East Africa located on the easternmost part of the African mainland, it is the fourth largest peninsula in the world. It is composed of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti. Benzoin is also used in blended types of Japanese incense, Indian incense (Agarbatti), Chinese incense (known as Anxi xiang; 安息香), and Papier d’Arménie (a type of incense produced for centuries, made in France) as well as incense sticks.

The Health Benefits of Benzoin Resin

Benzoin has been used in many ways in the past. In France, it was burned and inhaled in order to ease respiratory issues. In Southern Asia, it was used to heal circumcision wounds. Its antiseptic properties continue to keep it as a favorite for use in healing wounds. It is used in small quantities as a flavoring in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, chewing gum, frozen dairy, gelatins, puddings, and soft candy.

Prior to its use in the medical field, benzoin resin was often used in making aromatic products, it is still used in aromatherapy. Many skin care products featuring the resin continue to be available, including soaps, lotions, and creams. You can find it on the labels of many sunscreens, and some companies use it as a preservative in their cosmetic products as well. If you’re interested in greater detail, read this PDF on the Benzoin Health and Beauty Benefits. Benzoin has many health benefits discussed below.

How to Burn Benzoin Resin

To burn a resin such as benzoin, you’ll need a special resin incense burner (some will also require resin sand, which protects the dish). Next, light a charcoal disk tablet made especially for burning resins. Let it heat up a bit and place it onto the burner using charcoal tongs. The charcoal is what provides the steady heat that will release scent from the resin. Gently put a few small bits of resin onto the charcoal tablet once heated.

Note: Resins can be quite strong in scent and throw off smoke, so only burn resins in a well–ventilated space.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of benzoin resin depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for benzoin resin. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and always consult your physician before using. If you have a current infection, consult your physician before using.

The Health Benefits of Compound Benzoin Tincture

Compound benzoin tincture is used on minor skin sores and wounds to protect the area from irritation and infection. It is also used on canker sores in and around the mouth to protect them so they can heal. It is also used to help relieve and soothe minor irritation of the nose, throat, and airways (such as laryngitis, croup) when it is mixed with hot water and the steam is inhaled.

How to use Compound Benzoin Tincture

1. If using the over–the–counter product to self–treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before using. If prescribed by your doctor, use it as directed.
2. When used on the skin, clean and dry the affected area first. Then apply to skin as directed.
3. If using the spray form, shake container well before using.
4. If using the product for inhalation, mix it with hot water as directed and inhale the steam (vapor).
5. Do not use in large amounts, use more often, or use for a longer time than directed. The risk for side effects will be increased.
6. Avoid use in children younger than 6 months.
7. For topical use only, do not drink or swallow. Avoid contact in or around the eyes.
8. If condition does not improve in a few days or if it worsens, contact your physician right away.

Precautions

A physician should be consulted prior to taking any herbal remedy. Some herbal remedies may interact with other prescription and over–the–counter (OTC) medications, causing undesirable side effects.

Benzoin resin is likely safe when used in amounts found in foods. It is possibly unsafe when used in medicinal amounts. Taking compound benzoin tincture accidentally by mouth has caused stomach bleeding. Benzoin resin is possibly safe when inhaled with the steam from hot water. Compound benzoin tincture usually contains a large amount of alcohol. Keep out of the reach of children and carefully monitor children while they are using.

There isn’t enough reliable information to know if benzoin resin is safe to use when pregnant or breast–feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. During pregnancy, compound benzoin tincture should be used only when clearly indicated. It is not known whether compound benzoin tincture passes into breast milk. Consult your physician before breast–feeding.

Benzoin resin is possibly safe when applied to the skin in appropriate amounts. It can cause skin rashes in people with sensitive skin. Mild irritation, burning, or redness of the skin may occur as your body adjusts to compound benzoin tincture. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and tell your physician promptly. Most people using compound benzoin tincture do not have serious side effects.

Serious allergic reactions to compound benzoin tincture are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before first checking with your physician. It may be harmful if swallowed. Always perform a skin patch test prior to using. Benzoin essential oil should not be used in ultrasonic diffusers or any that clog easily. It is very viscous and is best suited to being mixed with other oils in candle warmer type diffusers.

Storage

Compound benzoin tincture is flammable. Store it at room temperature away from heat, flame, and direct sunlight. Refer to storage information printed on the package. Keep away from children and pets. Never flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard when it has expired or no longer needed. Always consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal service for more details about how to safely discard your medications.

The Health Benefits of Benzoin Essential Oil

Because benzoin essential oil has anesthetic, antibacterial, antidepressant and anti–inflammatory properties, it is used in traditional medicines to treat arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, laryngitis, and stress. It is used topically, not internally. Benzoin essential oil smells like warm, creamy vanilla with balsamic undertones and a touch of cinnamon. This pleasant scent lends it well as a fragrance in perfumery, toiletries, cosmetics, scented candles and incense making.

It was first described in the 14th Century; the Arabs called benzoin essential oil “frankincense of Java”, and it’s had a long tradition of use in pomanders, potpourri, incense and soaps. In perfumery, it is especially widely used in ambrées. It used for both feminine and masculine fragrances. You may be surprised to find benzoin as an ingredient in Chanel Coromandel, Givenchy Pi, Hermes Terre d’Hermes, Prada No9 Benjoin and Yves Saint Laurent Opium.

Here’s a great video by Robert Pappas where he demonstrates the evaporation of diluted and undiluted essential oils.

Therapeutic Uses of Benzoin Essential Oil

1. Healing of Chapped Skin: Benzoin essential oil combined with myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oils in equal amounts added to a high quality Shea butter or coconut butter will work wonders. According to The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, it should be diluted to avoid skin irritation, be sure to follow the rules of dilution.
2. Eases Upper Respiratory Conditions: Use two drops each of benzoin, hyssop (H. officinalis var. decumbens), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oils in a bowl of steaming hot water. Breathe in the vapors with a towel over your head for five minutes.
3. Treats Foot Odor
4. Used for Skin Protection

Buying & Storing

While it is not technically an essential oil, when purchasing, find a supplier you can trust. Make sure the product you purchase has the name, botanical name, and country of origin. There should be no other ingredients listed, and it should be supplied in a dark glass bottle. Use it sparingly and be sure only to use it in diffusers that won’t get clogged, like the candle–warming types.

Essential Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. These are: Acorus Calamus, Ajwain, Allspice, Amyris, Anise (Aniseed), Angelica, Apricot Kernel, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Star Anise, Sweet Birch, and Wintergreen.

Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.

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Sources:
WebMD Benzoin – Uses, Side Effects, and More
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-351/benzoin
PubChem – Benzoin
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/benzoin
Wikipedia Benzoin (resin)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoin_(resin)
WebMD Benzoin Topical Tincture – Uses, Side Effects, and More
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3393/benzoin-topical/details
Benzoin Essential Oil
https://momprepares.com/essential-oils/benzoin/
The Perfume Society – Benzoin
https://perfumesociety.org/ingredients-post/benzoin/
What is Benzoin Gum?
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-benzoin-gum.htm
Spirituality & Health – Benzoin Resin: What It Is and How to Use It
https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2020/11/04/what-is-benzoin-resin-used-for